Fixed roof tank

A fixed roof tank is a type of storage tank, used to store liquids, consisting of a cone- or dome-shaped roof
that is permanently affixed to a cylindrical shell. Newer storage tanks are typically fully welded and
designed to be both liquid- and vapor-tight. Older tanks, however, are often riveted or bolted, and are not
vapor tight. A breather valve (pressure-vacuum valve), commonly installed on many fixed roof tanks,
allows the tank to operate at a slight internal pressure or vacuum. This valve prevents the release of vapors
during very small changes in temperature, barometric pressure, or liquid level.[1] Fixed roof tanks without
breather valves will generally be freely vented;[2] thus the emissions from a fixed roof tank can be non-
trivial. Gauge hatches, sample wells, float gauges, and roof manholes provide accessibility to these tanks,
and also act as potential sources of volatile emissions.[3][4]

Applications
Storage tanks in general, and fixed roof tanks in particular, containing organic liquids can be found in many
industries, including:

petroleum production and refining

petrochemical and chemical manufacturing
bulk storage and transfer operations
other industries consuming organic liquids[2]

Fixed roof tanks are typically used with products that have relatively low volatilities and flash points.[5]
Using a fixed roof tank to store a product with high volatility can lead to product losses as vapors escape
the enclosure.[6]

See also
Storage tank
External floating roof tank

References
1. BNH Gas Tanks. "Fixed Roof Tank" (http://www.fixedrooftank.com/). Retrieved 5 December
2015.
2. South Coast Air Quality Management District. "Supplemental Instructions For Liquid Organic
Storage Tanks" (http://www.aqmd.gov/docs/default-source/planning/annual-emission-reporti
ng/supplemental-instructions-for-liquid-organic-storage-tanks.pdf?sfvrsn=2) (PDF).
Retrieved 5 December 2015.
3. Werner Sölken. "Explore the World of Piping - Introduction to Storage Tanks" (http://www.wer
mac.org/equipment/storage_tanks_vessels_general.html). Retrieved 5 December 2015.
4. USA Environmental Protection Agency. "Alternative Control Techniques Document:Volatile
Organic Liquid Storage in Floating and Fixed Roof Tanks" (http://www3.epa.gov/ozonepollut
 ion/SIPToolkit/ctg_act/199401_voc_epa453_r-94-001_liquid_storage_roof_tanks.pdf)
(PDF). Retrieved 5 December 2015.
5. Buckeye Fire Equipment. "Storage Tanks: Fixed or Semi-fixed Systems" (http://buckeyefire.c
om/pdfs/foampdfs/storage/fixed.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 5 December 2015.
6. ISEC Company. "Fixed Roof Tank" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_3kOcjLBu4).

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